A pub chain is to extend its no-smoking ban after a hugely successful trial in Bradford.

The Symposium at Idle went smokefree on January 1 and it has proved a big hit with customers and staff.

The wine bar and brasserie took the plunge after consultations with drinkers and, although some smokers stayed away, bosses believe the move has been popular.

Market Town Taverns founder and managing director Ian Fozard said: "There has been no adverse effect on our business at Symposium. The bar staff are much happier and it has proved a success with our customers.

"We are happy with the decision and there is a feeling we have made the right decision. Sales are continuing on an upward trend."

The move comes after the launch of the Telegraph & Argus' award-winning Clear the Air campaign calling for an all-out ban on smoking in public places. The campaign followed shock figures showing one in three deaths of people aged over 35 in Bradford is smoking-related.

Mr Fozard said he could not predict if other chains would follow but said each one had to make its own decision taking into account its core customers.

He added: "We know our customers.

We talked to them first about it which was important and we have made a commitment to them.

"We shall soon be fixing dates for the other pubs to go smoke-free."

Market Taverns also runs the Narrow Boat in Skipton and Bar t'at in Ilkley and opened Coopers Brasserie, Bar and Function room in Guiseley in January as a no-smoking venue.

The decision means the bars - which have strong food sales - will be smokefree ahead of the JD Wetherspoon chain which has pledged to make the move before May 2006. Some of their pubs, including ones in Bradford, could start trials this May.

Mr Fozard, added: "Although we were a little apprehensive about how the move would be received at Symposium, we felt strongly that it was the right way to go.

"The customer reaction has been tremendous. All the no-smoking taverns have been very well received and are profitable. There is no doubt that it is better for the health of our staff and customers and that it is what the majority of people want."

The group's established premises appear in the Good Beer Guide and have won local Campaign for Real Ale awards.

It has a turnover of £3m and employs more than 125 people.